It’s one of the things I’d love to change when I take leadership. I just have to prove myself first. These men can’t run our chapter forever and with the way they’ve been initiating more women the last few years, I know they won’t. I have to appreciate men like Jefferson. Thinking with his cock, which might not turn out so well for our newest member.
I shiver.
“Says the lucky bitch who doesn’t have to live on her family’s time. You know my parents take this shit seriously and insist we come together.” Bianca pulls my thoughts away from Cinnamon. Unlike my parents, Bianca’s were high school sweethearts and initiated together. Half of our member’s spouses only hear whispers about what goes on. They think it’s some alumni organization when it’s far from the truth.
“At least you didn’t fail to seduce Talon. His Majesty fired our driver, so he brought me, looking extra fucking delectable tonight. We were this damn close.” I hold my index finger and thumb an inch apart. “He would’ve given in had there not been a meeting.”
“Damn, Cia. I wish I had someone to fuck with like that. My mom’s at it again with the dating apps. You should see all the men she has lined up for me. Apparently, I should be married already and not whoring around. She’s decided she wants to approve of anyone who gets to take our name. She even plans meetings with them beforehand. Like a fucking date me to date my daughter. Super cringey.” Bianca rolls her eyes, her words tumbling from her mouth. It’s only been a couple hours since I’ve talked to her, but she always bursts with shit she can’t hold in for long.
“Are you serious? What the fuck?” I glance around the club, catching the gaze of a couple men staring at us. I recognize a local drug dealer Daddy sometimes gives free range in exchange for a cut. A few women crowd around him, vying for his attention—or probably paid to. He’s so damn sleazy.
“Right? She just makes it so I don’t want to date anyone. I’d rather die alone than have her seconds, even if it’s supposedly for me. So gross.” Bianca grimaces.
“I bet she’ll ask them for a demonstration. Make sure they know how to find a clit,” I tease, crinkling my nose, regretting my joke immediately. The last thing I want to think about is Marge-Louise’s sex life. It’s bad enough that she and Juan constantly grope each other in displays of public affection—no, just displays of public porn. I once caught them fucking in the women’s bathroom and wanted to bleach my brain.
Bianca fake gags. “Seriously, Stacia? I didn’t think about that. She probably would. Her and Juan are open.”
I shrug. “Mama Marge might just want the best for you.”
Whacking me with the back of her hand, Bianca then swipes a colorful shot glass from the tray of one of the servers heading to the booths that come for table service. It’s the closest anyone who isn’t a member of our chapter can get to VIP treatment on a meeting night. The server knows better than to say anything, because drinks are always on the house for us.
Bianca downs the shot and shakes her head, releasing a yell. “You’re lucky we have a meeting or else I’d tell that dude over there that you want to hook up and were too shy to approach him first.” She fake-glares at me.
I roll my eyes and grab her hand, pulling her toward the stairs to the VIP lounge. I’d feel bad for the poor soul she’d give hope to, because usually, they’re intoxicated enough to summon the bravery to talk to me. And if they have an ounce of hope, most of the douchebags here assume that playing hard to get is a yes for them. They’d end up on the floor, cupping their balls if they even tried. They’d be lucky to deal with me and not one of the bouncers.
Because Daddy has a reputation to maintain and doesn’t want to deal with paying more to the authorities than he already does to keep them away from his business. He ensures that no one is ever declared dead on our property, and if someone gets drugged, it’s in the back alley. This is one of the most notorious clubs in Hollywood, which is why it’s one of the most popular. Every night is ladies’ night, which the men love.
Everyone considers Daddy to be progressive with his supposed punishment to men caught doing bad deeds, but I know the truth. He’s just as capable of being pervy as many of the other men in positions of power. A lot of shit goes down here.
And tonight, is one of those nights.
Bianca twirls next to me, making me dance with her to the stairs that’ll take us to the VIP lounge which leads to the meeting room. I don’t know what to expect tonight apart from the boring chapter business shit. I don’t have any sort of influence yet. I’m not on the King’s Court. I’m considered just an heir and member until I’m worthy enough to take on any of the tasks available.
“Ms. St. Germaine, Ms. Perez. It’s nice to see you both.” The familiar voice of William Blackstone sounds through the air. He’s from another chapter, but it’s not uncommon for different chapter heads to travel and participate in meetings. It’s how everyone knows everyone in the Society of Secrets. We were founded in Oxford, England in the 1860s by men who went on to rule Victorian Britain...and the world. Hollywood and the Looking Glass are only a tiny part of the Society of Secrets. Being so vast is the only way our network works.
“Billy! Daddy didn’t tell me you were coming.” I throw my arms around the man and kiss each of his cheeks, showing my respect in the form of affection. It’s instinctual and has been trained into me my whole life.
“Because he wasn’t aware. You know how much I like to surprise the old bastard. I brought a couple of heirs with me, who are moving into your area. I wanted to introduce them and make sure they felt at home here.” William hands me a ceremonial robe.
I pull my masquerade mask from my purse. It sparkles with real diamonds and matches Bianca’s. When the meeting starts, we’re unified as one and our identities, despite being known amongst each other, remain protected from any sort of scandal. We never know who to trust. Some asshole could’ve hooked up a camera. Some paparazzi could’ve snuck in. And we can’t risk the world finding out.
“Oh, fresh meat,” Bianca says grinning. “Do we know them?”
William chuckles and shrugs. “Maybe you ladies can do the honor of welcoming them during the introduction ceremony. One of them has traveled from Mexico City. The other just got back from a sabbatical in Greece.”
“Ay, papi. You know I’m always happy to...if they’re single and not fifty. Do you think Juan would approve of them?” Bianca asks, using her dad’s first name instead of one of endearment. It’s always been their thing.
I grab her hand. “There’s only one way to find out. Come on, Bianca.” I pat William’s cheek with my free hand. “It was nice to see you again.”
“Always a pleasure.” William turns away to welcome the Bordeauxs, one of Hollywood’s power couples.
I don’t want to get caught in another conversation, so I tug Bianca away. We put on our robes and adjust our masquerade masks, heading across the VIP lounge and toward another door. It’s a secret room that only members of the Society of Secrets have ever been in.
Another set of stairs takes us into the basement, where dozens of people hover around, waiting for my dad to arrive. He is the King of this chapter, and nothing will begin without His Majesty. He’s always the last to arrive and the last to leave.
“I need to say hello to Juan and Marge-Louise. I’ll be right back. Why don’t you grab us a seat?” Bianca motions toward the circle of chairs lining the room, where we’ll sit as spectators, only participating in the ceremonial vow, since we’re not at the level to voice our business opinions.
I only nod my head and watch her stroll away, heading toward where her parents wait by the altar. I gaze around the room, trying to put faces to the figures covering their identities with their masks. I should recognize everyone by now, but I haven’t put much effort into it. Some of the elders must speak for me to know who they are. It doesn’t help that some of them I rarely see without a mask.